Table of Contents

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) 2013–16 presents the Government of Canada's sustainable development activities, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. In keeping with the objectives of the Act to make environmental decision making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research supports the implementation of the FSDS through the activities described in this supplementary information table.

Theme IV: Targets and Implementation Strategies

Goal 7: Waste and Asset Management

Target 7.2: Green Procurement

As of April 1, 2014, the Government of Canada will continue to take action to embed environmental considerations into public procurement, in accordance with the federal Policy on Green Procurement.

Scope and Context

The department procures over $10 million in goods and services per year, in multiple commodity categories. Greening of our procurement will be integrated throughout our activities, including its grant application and peer review processes, business travel and professional services.

Link to department's PAA

Program 1.1: Investigator-Initiated Health Research

Program 1.2: Priority-Driven Health Research

Internal Services

Performance Measurement

Expected Result

Environmentally responsible acquisition, use and disposal of goods and services.

Performance indicator

Performance level achieved

Departmental approach to further the implementation of the Policy on Green Procurement in place as of April 1, 2014.

Approach: Increase awareness of the Policy on Green Procurement through training sessions where Green Procurement is highlighted. (on-going as of April 1, 2014)
Target has been achieved at 100%.

Number and percentage of procurement and/or materiel management specialists who completed the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course (C215) or equivalent, in fiscal year 2015–16.

Two specialists completed the course in previous fiscal years and were with the department at the end of fiscal year 2015–16.
Target has been achieved at 100%.

Number and percentage of managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel whose performance evaluation includes support and contribution toward green procurement, in fiscal year 2015–16.

N/A
There are 2 managers and functional heads of procurement. To date, green procurement has not been included in their performance plans.

Departmental green procurement target

In 2015–16, CIHR was considered a small department and was not subject to departmental procurement targets, but does plan to track the following performance indicators to monitor its performance. By March 31, 2017, 100% duplex default printing setting is targeted to reduce the environmental impact of its production.

Best Practice7.2.4. Increase awareness of the Policy on Green Procurement among managers.

Achieved

Strategic Environmental Assessment

During the 2015–16 reporting cycle, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research considered the environmental effects of initiatives subject to the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, as part of its decision-making processes. As the Canadian Institutes of Health Research did not develop any initiatives that required a Strategic Environmental Assessment, no related public statements were produced.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) provides a wide array of funding programs under this transfer payment program. This includes grants that provide support for the direct costs of research projects, for the training of researchers, or for activities that support the translation of research findings. Other funding includes direct salary and stipend support to individual researchers/scientists and research trainees.

Results achieved

CIHR invested a significant portion of its grants budget to fund all areas of health research. CIHR grants and awards helped maintain a strong and diverse health research base, programs continue to demonstrate strong application pressure and an increase in the average cost of research proposals resulted in a higher average grant payment per year.

In total, CIHR supported 11,766 researchers and trainees by funding 7128 grants and awards, which represents a total of $867.7M in expenditures through the Grants for Research Projects and Personnel Support transfer payment program.

Comments on variances

The variance of $1.1M between actual and planned spending is a result of partnership activities with other federal departments and agencies resulting in funding being transferred to CIHR to address a common theme or research priority.

CIHR's ability to train, retain and sustain outstanding health researchers remains a key priority in its five-year strategic plan. In 2015–16, CIHR supported the learning and development of its health research trainees by awarding 129 new doctoral awards and 394 new master’s awards through the CGS program. Overall, CIHR supported 373 doctoral awards and 400 master’s awards through the CGS program in 2015–16.

Applicants and recipients are engaged through communication with academic institutions and Tri-Agency or agency-specific electronic communication.

Performance Information (dollars)

Type of Transfer Payment

2013–14
Actual Spending

2014–15
Actual Spending

2015–16
Planned Spending

2015–16
Total authorities available for use

2015–16
Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance(2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned)

Total grants

21,089,368

21,222,556

21,250,000

21,250,000

21,216,528

(33,472)

Total program

21,089,368

21,222,556

21,250,000

21,250,000

21,216,528

(33,472)

Name of transfer payment program

Canada Excellence Research Chairs (voted)

Start date

2010–11

End date

Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2014–15

Strategic Outcome

Canada is a world leader in the creation, dissemination and application of health research knowledge.

Link to the organization’s programs

1.1.2: Training and Career Support

Description

The Canada Excellence Research Chairs program is administered by CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC and aims to support the development of a world-class workforce crucial to the innovation process, positioning Canada as a magnet for the world's top researchers and graduate students, and promoting the development and application of leading-edge knowledge.

Results achieved

Through the Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program, CIHR contributed to building and maintaining world-class research by supporting Canadian universities in their efforts to build on Canada's growing reputation as a global leader in research and innovation. The CERC program attracts world-leading researchers in fields such as human pain genetics, neuroscience, and virology, to Canadian universities. In 2015–16, CIHR supported seven chairs totalling $9.8M through the CERC program.

Comments on variances

No variance.

Audits completed or planned

Canada Excellence Research Chairs Audit (Completed, May 2016).

Evaluations completed or planned

Canada Excellence Research Chairs Audit (Planned, May 2019).

Engagement of applicants and recipients

Applicants and recipients are engaged through regular communication and the CERC website.

Performance Information (dollars)

Type of Transfer Payment

2013–14
Actual Spending

2014–15
Actual Spending

2015–16
Planned Spending

2015–16
Total authorities available for use

2015–16
Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance(2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned)

Total grants

8,249,999

8,400,000

9,800,000

9,800,000

9,800,000

0

Total program

8,249,999

8,400,000

9,800,000

9,800,000

9,800,000

0

Name of transfer payment program

Canada First Research Excellence Fund (voted)

Start date

2014–15

End date

Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2014–15

Strategic Outcome

Canada is a world leader in the creation, dissemination and application of health research knowledge.

Link to the organization’s programs

1.2.2: Horizontal Health Research Initiatives

Description

The Canada First Research Excellence Fund (the Fund) supports Canada’s postsecondary institutions in their efforts to become global research leaders. It helps Canadian universities, colleges and polytechnics compete with the best in the world for talent and partnership opportunities, to make breakthrough discoveries, and to excel globally in research areas that will create long-term economic advantages for Canada. The Fund helps institutions: (i) compete with the best in the world for talent, for partnership opportunities and to make breakthrough discoveries; (ii) seize emerging opportunities and strategically advance their greatest strengths on the global stage; and (iii) implement large-scale, transformational and forward-thinking institutional strategies. This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions.

Results achieved

In 2015–16, CFREF through the Tri-Agencies invested in five awards with a total value of $349.3M over seven years, of which $114.9M will be distributed by CIHR.

Comments on variances

CIHR’s actual spending of $16.2M in 2015–16 reflects the inaugural competition of the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF), for which CIHR received and allocated $16.2M in 2015–16, and a total of $114.9M over 7 fiscal years.

Audits completed or planned

No audits were planned or completed

Evaluations completed or planned

Canada First Research Excellence Fund Evaluation (Planned, March 2020)

Engagement of applicants and recipients

A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery. As well as, through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund website.

Performance Information (dollars)

Type of Transfer Payment

2013–14
Actual Spending

2014–15
Actual Spending

2015–16
Planned Spending

2015–16
Total authorities available for use

2015–16
Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance(2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

16,246,615

16,246,614

16,246,614

Total program

0

0

0

16,246,615

16,246,614

16,246,614

Name of transfer payment program

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)

Start date

2008–09

End date

Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2014–15

Strategic Outcome

Canada is a world leader in the creation, dissemination and application of health research knowledge.

Link to the organization’s programs

1.1.2: Training and Career Support

Description

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) program is administered by CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC and is designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by offering them a significant financial award. This financial award assists students during their studies at Canadian universities. Vanier Scholars demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and health-related fields.

Results achieved

Through the Vanier CGS Program, CIHR contributed to building world-class research capacity by attracting and retaining the best doctoral students, both nationally and internationally. CIHR funded 55 new Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship awards. Overall, in 2015–16 CIHR supported 166 Vanier researchers.

Comments on variances

The variance is immaterial.

Audits completed or planned

No audits were planned or completed

Evaluations completed or planned

Vanier CGS Program Evaluation (Planned, June 2019).

Engagement of applicants and recipients

Applicants and recipients are engaged through communication with academic institutions and directed Tri-Agency or agency-specific electronic communication, as well as through the Vanier CGS website.

Performance Information (dollars)

Type of Transfer Payment

2013–14
Actual Spending

2014–15
Actual Spending

2015–16
Planned Spending

2015–16
Total authorities available for use

2015–16
Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance(2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned)

Total grants

8,245,833

8,312,500

8,350,000

8,350,000

8,284,309

(65,691)

Total program

8,245,833

8,312,500

8,350,000

8,350,000

8,284,309

(65,691)

Name of transfer payment program

Institute Support Grants (voted)

Start date

2000–01

End date

Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2008–09

Strategic Outcome

Canada is a world leader in the creation, dissemination and application of health research knowledge.

Link to the organization’s programs

1.2.1: Institute-Driven Initiatives

Description

The Institute Support Grant program provides funding to select Canadian academic institutions, including universities and teaching hospitals, to assist them in hosting the 13 Institutes of CIHR. The Institutes help CIHR maintain strong ties to Canada's research communities and to understand their needs. Each CIHR-appointed Scientific Director is among the top scientists in his/her field. Institutes help CIHR define its strategic health research priorities and develop research partnerships with other interested parties in health research. Institutes also organize conferences, seminars and workshops, all with the goal of developing and disseminating health-related knowledge and best practices.

Results achieved

In 2015–16, CIHR provided each of its 13 Institutes with a $1.0M grant to support institute operations, including the salaries of Scientific Directors, Institute Staff and other administrative expenses. Institute Support Grants also support activities that facilitate and develop national research networks linking the Institutes' respective research communities. . For more information please visit their websites.

Comments on variances

The variance is immaterial.

Audits completed or planned

Internal Audit of Institute Support Grants (completed, June 2015).

Evaluations completed or planned

Evaluation of the Institute Sponsored Initiatives and Institute Support Grants (In-progress, September 2016).

Engagement of applicants and recipients

CIHR engages applicants and recipients on an ongoing basis through various forms of social media, electronic newsletters, presentations, discussion forums and consultation processes. Scientific Directors are among the top scientists in their fields and maintain strong ties to Canada's research communities.

Performance Information (dollars)

Type of Transfer Payment

2013–14
Actual Spending

2014–15
Actual Spending

2015–16
Planned Spending

2015–16
Total authorities available for use

2015–16
Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance(2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned)

Total grants

13,000,000

13,000,000

13,000,000

13,000,000

12,916,667

(83,333)

Total program

13,000,000

13,000,000

13,000,000

13,000,000

12,916,667

(83,333)

Name of transfer payment program

Networks of Centres of Excellence (voted)

Start date

1997–98

End date

Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2014–15

Strategic Outcome

Canada is a world leader in the creation, dissemination and application of health research knowledge.

Link to the organization’s programs

1.2.2: Horizontal Health Research Initiatives

Description

The Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program is a federal class grants program administered jointly by CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC, in partnership with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Health Canada. Networks are not-for-profit corporations with an established Board of Directors and are unique partnerships among the academic, private, public and not-for-profit sectors. These nation-wide, multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral partnerships connect excellent research with industrial know-how and strategic investment. Networks put in place well-defined strategies to transfer knowledge to users – ensuring that discoveries and technological advances are turned into social and economic benefits for all Canadians.

Results achieved

In 2015–16, CIHR invested $22.6M in a total of 16 recipients of ongoing, multi-year NCE awards [including Knowledge Mobilization Initiative Networks (NCE-KM) and Canadian-India Research Centre of Excellence (CIRCE)] which helped them build structured networks, establish multi-sector partnerships, and commercialize health research findings. Through the NCE program, CIHR was able to help mobilize Canada's health research talent in the academic, private and public sectors and apply it to the task of developing the economy and improving the quality of life of Canadians.

Comments on variances

The variance is immaterial.

Audits completed or planned

Networks of Centres of Excellence Audit (Planned, March 2017).

Evaluations completed or planned

Joint Evaluation of the Networks of Centers of Excellence and Business-led Networks of Centers of Excellence Programs (Completed, November 2015).

Engagement of applicants and recipients

Applicants and recipients are engaged through various meetings and events, as well as through the NCE website.

Performance Information (dollars)

Type of Transfer Payment

2013–14
Actual Spending

2014–15
Actual Spending

2015–16
Planned Spending

2015–16
Total authorities available for use

2015–16
Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance(2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned)

Total grants

22,589,000

22,589,000

22,589,400

22,589,400

22,589,000

(400)

Total program

22,589,000

22,589,000

22,589,400

22,589,400

22,589,000

(400)

Name of transfer payment program

Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (voted)

Start date

2007–08

End date

Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2011–12

Strategic Outcome

Canada is a world leader in the creation, dissemination and application of health research knowledge.

Link to the organization’s programs

1.2.2: Horizontal Health Research Initiatives

Description

The Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR) program is administered jointly by CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC in partnership with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Health Canada. CIHR's portion of CECR Tri-Agency class grant program supports the operation of commercialization and/or research centres that bring together people, services and infrastructure to position Canada at the forefront of breakthrough innovation in health and related life sciences and technologies.

Results achieved

In 2015–16, CIHR invested $11.1M in a total of 18 recipients of ongoing, multi-year CECR awards which helped them build on Canada’s R&D landscape by matching clusters of academic research expertise with the needs of business, health practitioners and other end users. Through the CECR program, CIHR was able to help create internationally recognized centres to advance research and facilitate commercialization in areas of priority for the Government of Canada, delivering economic, social, health and other benefits to Canadians.

Comments on variances

CIHR’s actual spending of $287,000 more than planned spending reflects the 2016 competition for the Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR) program, an investment of $287,000 in 2015–16 and a total of $14.1M over 5 fiscal years.

Audits completed or planned

No audits were planned or completed.

Evaluations completed or planned

Centers of Excellence for Commercialization and Research Evaluation (In-progress, March 2017).

Engagement of applicants and recipients

Applicants and recipients are engaged through various meetings, events and the CECR website.

Performance Information (dollars)

Type of Transfer Payment

2013–14
Actual Spending

2014–15
Actual Spending

2015–16
Planned Spending

2015–16
Total authorities available for use

2015–16
Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance(2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned)

Total grants

12,054,160

12,073,000

10,829,947

11,116,947

11,116,947

287,000

Total program

12,054,160

12,073,000

10,829,947

11,116,947

11,116,947

287,000

Internal Audits and Evaluations

A. Internal Audits Completed in 2015–16

Title of internal audit

Internal audit type

Completion date

Internal Audit of Learning and Training

Assurance

November 2015

Internal Audit of Institute Support Grants

Assurance

June 2015

Reforms – Ongoing assurance

Consulting – ongoing

January 2016

B. Evaluations in Progress or Completed in 2015–16

Title of evaluation

Status

Deputy head approval date

Link to the organization’s program(s)

Evaluation of CIHR's Commercialization Programs

Completed

June 2015

1.1.1: Operating Support

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships Program Evaluation§

Completed

October 2015

1.1.2: Training and Career Support

Joint Evaluation of the Networks of Centers of Excellence and Business-led Networks of Centers of Excellence Programs

Completed

October 2015

1.2.2: Horizontal Health Research Initiatives

Evaluation of the Strategy for Patient Oriented Research Initiative

Completed

June 2016

1.2.1: Institute-Driven Initiatives

Canada Research Chairs Evaluation

Completed

July 2016

1.1.2: Training and Career Support

Canada Graduate Scholarship Program Evaluation

In progress

August 2016

1.1.2: Training and Career Support

Evaluation of the Institute Sponsored Initiatives and Institute Support Grants